Improvement in extension or drop-light gasaliers



J. H. SEAMAN.

Extension, or Drop-Light Gas.alier.. No. 167,697. Patented Sept. 14,1875.

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N-PETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTQN. D. C.

' To all whom it may concern:

TATES JOHN H. SEAMAN, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN E XTENSIONOR DROP-LIGHT GASALIERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 167.697, dated September 14,1875; application filed August 13, 1875.

Be it known that I, JOHN H. SEAMAN, of the city of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Extension or Drop- Light Grasaliers; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of this specification.

This invention relates to a new and improved sustaining mechanism for extension or drop-light gasaliers.

The invention consists in the combination of a convolute or other suitable spring and friction-brake mechanism with the sliding drop-tube and main stem of a gasalier, whereby a torsional movement of the drop-light tube against the resistance of the spring will free the brakes and allow the drop-tube to be freely slid down and up, and a releasement of the drop-tube from the hand will permit the spring to immediately turn the tube back again and apply the brakes, and thereby hold the drop-lights securely in the desired position.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a longitudinal central section through the main stem of a gasalier containing my present improvements. Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken on the plane of the line a m, Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a similar section on the plane of the line y y, Fig. 1.

A designates an outer, and A an inner, tube, forming, in the present instance, the man stem of the gasalier, a space being provided between the two tubes to serve as an independent gasway to convey gas to the main distributor in the usual way. B is a stationary tube, pendent from the ceiling stiffjoint or distributer D, and O the sliding droplight or extension tube. The tube G slides upon the tube B, and is packed in the usual manner. 1 is the main distributer, from which radiate the gas-ducts b of branch or stationary lights. F designate a box containing a convolute spring, G, one end of which spring is attached to the box and the other to a short tube, d, arranged centrally within the box F, and provided with suitable bearings which will permit it to be revolved. The tube din the present instance is provided with a square opening through it to receive a foursided drop-light. tube, 0; but I will here re- .mark that any style of opening or any style ,of drop-tube which will engage with such opening so that when the tube 0 is turned }the, tube dwill turn with it will answer or,

mit the drop-light tube 0 to be slid freely up and down through the tube 01. Attached to the spring-box F I have shown a regulatingscrew, H, whose end bears against the tube 01, and prevents the drop-tube from being turned in the wrong direction or too far in either direction. Of course a lug or other. device may be used in lieu of the regulating-screw H. I I are'two friction-brakes, which are pivoted to a loose collar, f, mounted upon the drop-light tube 0, preferably at the upper end thereof. These brakes I I in the present instance arestraightbars pivoted at or near their centers to said collar f, so that they can move outward on their pivots i. K is a double cam-ring, which is securely fixed upon the drop-light tube 0, so that it will, when turned in one direction by the action of the spring 0, press outward the brakes I I and cause them to bear against the inner surface of the tube A. In the drawing I have shown this cam as arranged immediately above the loose collar f;

but it may be arranged below or otherwise, so long as the desired end is accomplished. I have also shownthe tube A as provided with longitudinal grooves, along which the-brakes I I may slide as thedrop-tube is moved down or up but any other suitable means may be employed for preventing the brakes I I moving round with the cam. I'will here remark that if desired the regulating-screw or its equivalent may be omitted, as the brakes I I in the grooves will prevent the drop-tube being turned too far in either direction.

The operation of my improvement is very simple, as it will be understood that a turn to the right of the drop-tube illustrated in the drawing-say, the distance of about an eighth of a revolution-will serve to bring the depressed portion of the cam opposite the brakes, and thereby free them, and will also more tightly wind the spring G, at the same time permitting the drop-tube to be moved down or up by the use of one hand, and upon releasing the hold the spring throws the drop-tube and cam back again, the effect of which is to apply the friction-brakes and cause the droptube to remain stationary.

' I will here remark that I have shown my present improvement as applied to what is lar, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination, with the drop-tube G and tube A, of the friction-brakes I I and cam K, substantially as herein specified.

3. The combination, in a gasalier, of friction-brakes and a cam for operating the same, and a spring for turning the drop-tube, said spring operating independently of the frictionbrakes andthe cam, substantially as described.

4. The combination of a double cam and the frictionbrakes with the drop-light tube 0 and its spring, substantially as described, whereby, when the drop-light tube 0 is turned in one direction by the spring, the brakes will bear upon the inner surface of the tube A, as set forth.

JOHN H. SEAMAN.

Witnesses JOHN PROFFATT, JOHN J. ADAMS. 

